DecentralizedWastewater.org

DecentralizedWastewater.org Newsletter for February 2024

Upcoming Wastewater Webinars from WaterOperator.org

Mark your calendars for these upcoming webinars! This webinar series from WaterOperator.org covers topics relevant to wastewater operators, including funding, asset management, compliance, and water quality.

Certificates of attendance will be delivered upon request. Check with your certification body for acceptance criteria.

Cybersecurity for Wastewater Operators – February 20, 2024

In this webinar participants discovered some of the most helpful cybersecurity resources and learned how to use our search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional resources and training events.

View the Recording »

Source Water Protection for Communities with Decentralized Wastewater
April 23, 2024 | 10 AM CST

In this webinar participants will discover some of the most helpful source water protection resources and learn how to use our search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional resources and training events.

Register Now »

Funding Wastewater Infrastructure Projects
June 25, 2024 | 10 AM CST

In this webinar participants will discover some of the most helpful wastewater funding resources and learn how to use our search tools at WaterOperator.org to find additional resources and training events.

Register Now »

EPA Decentralized Wastewater Partnership Memorandum of Understanding Renewed for Seventh Cycle

In 2005, the Environmental Protection Agency formed a Decentralized Wastewater Partnership with eight initial public and private sector partners, with the goal of improving the overall performance and management of decentralized systems. The group’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is renewed every three years.

The partnership has created more awareness of decentralized issues nationwide through SepticSmart Week and other promotional activities. It has also led to more interaction between member organizations, helping to develop more consistency in messaging as well as more cooperation and working relationships.

The partnership’s MOU was most recently renewed on December 5, 2023, for the seventh cycle.

Scholarship Opportunity from WEF

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide funding for individuals who are seeking water sector operator education, training, or certification to enter the industry or to advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, or license. Awardees can receive up to $5,000 through this opportunity.

This scholarship is for individuals seeking an entry-level operator's license or operators of all levels who are seeking professional development in the following areas:

Municipal and industrial treatment
Reuse
Collection and distribution
Stormwater

If you wish to be considered for this scholarship you must submit a completed online application, including a brief essay on your experience and career goals, by the deadline of March 31, 2024 (applications close at 11:59 PM EST.)

Have Questions?

View the Operator Scholarship FAQ
Email any other questions or comments to: Awards@wef.org

Apply Now

EPA Expands Program to Bring Wastewater Services to More Underserved Communities Across Rural America

"The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the expansion of its successful Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative to 150 additional communities as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Originally launched in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the initiative partners with underserved communities to provide technical assistance on accessing federal wastewater funding. The pilot initiative has been assisting 11 communities since 2022. This program, along with funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will advance [the Biden-Harris administration's] environmental justice agenda and help thousands of Americans access the wastewater infrastructure they need to thrive."

Read more from the EPA »

Featured Webinar

PFAS Today, Tomorrow, and Forever: How Do I Know if I Have

a PFAS Problem?

March 5, 2024 | 1:00 pm EST | Environmental Finance Center Network

PFAS regulations are coming fast and furious. So which regulations apply to you and why should you care? In this webinar, explore where PFAS is found in the environment (water, wastewater), the current analytical methods to detect PFAS, how to plan for sampling or characterization programs, and what to do if you detect PFAS in your water and/or wastewater systems. The current and future regulations that may apply and how to prepare for complying with those regulations will be discussed. A particular focus will be given to small and large wastewater collection and treatment systems.

Register here »

Find More on the Event Calendar

Featured Podcast

Small Wastewater Systems:
Setting Service Rates
Environmental Finance Center Network

This episode of the EFCN podcast explains different service rate structures, methods and resources used to set service rates, and the challenges small systems face in setting rates.

Featured Document

On-Site Community Wastewater
Systems Offer an Environmentally
Friendly Alternative to POTWs
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association

This presentation from the NOWRA 2023 Mega-Conference asks “Why build on-site community systems?" These systems have environmental advantages, including groundwater recharge and irrigation. The presentation also covers wastewater system design components and the steps needed to plan a community system.